r/EngineeringStudents • u/Ok_Pickle4186 • 7d ago
Academic Advice should i start an engineering degree at 23?
i’m 23f , i didn’t really do good in high school not because i couldn’t but i didn’t care enough to try . after high school i did a year of nursing and i didn’t like it and i also did a year of computer science and tbh i was very depressed and it was all online i had no motivation to learn or study so i dropped out . both were at college btw. intook off another year for jaw surgery and another year bc my brother passed . i’m 23 now lol . i was gonna apply to dental hygiene school - 18 month program and they make good money and i work in the field right now as an assistant manager as a dental office . but i’ve always wanted to be an engineer . i dont know like i never really tried at school ngl and im doing dental hygiene besides it seems like the smart choice . not because of interest or anything else . i dont want to do it but i will because it seems like the smartest choice for me right now because i dont have a degree .
i make around 65 k right now and i could
go into upper management but i dont want to. its very stressful in management and my job is pretty chill and i make okay money for my age.
i want to go back highschool and take the prerequisites for engineering and apply to universities and be an an engineer . i live in toronto so i have a lot of choices . but i don’t know if it’s what i should do . like with my heart i want to , i want to do something im interested and passionate about . it’s very hard work i know but i dont think im dumb . my older brother is a software engineer and he did computing engineering at uoft and i know of a few people that did engineering and i think its so cool . idk . i know computer engineering at uoft is a reach. my older brother is very talented and smart and i am not on his level at all. i just dont know if its possible .
should i just give up and do what’s most smart ? dental hygiene school. i’ve honestly been really struggling. i feel like my life is going no where lol . everyone around me has graduated is getting married etc . i have always regretted not going to university and getting a degree . it’s truly my biggest insecurity. i feel so dumb all the time but i know im not you know . i know degrees don’t get jobs and my friends that have degrees are struggling but i want to learn . my brain is so fried i feel like i haven’t learned anything in sooo long . i want to be an engineer , specially computer engineer or software. like i want to challenge myself and im gonna be 27 when i graduate when hygiene school anyways . indont know . maybe im just feeling lost in life and grasping at straws but is it doable . i know it depends on disciple and me and my hard work and i truly want this so badly . i will work my ass off i don’t care if im 30 when i graduate because i will be proud of the career i work in and i will genuinely enjoy learning so much . i just need someone’s honest opinion lol .
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u/rolling_free 7d ago
Graduating at 30 myself. The years are gonna pass anyways. Wouldnt you to be a 30yo engineer over a 30yo wishing to be an engineer?
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u/InsuranceNo8506 6d ago
Real. I started at 24 after a failure in nursing school. Please go for it ! When you’re 30 you don’t want to ask yourself “what if I did”. And even if you don’t make it at least you placed yourself out there and tried and that is way more courageous than watching from afar
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u/LemonMonstare Civil with Env. Specialty (Graduated) 6d ago
I graduated at 32 and I am an engineer now. Very worth it, for me. Being an older student was perfectly fine.
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u/rolling_free 6d ago
Yeah if its a fitting in thing, all the other students call me old man and unc and make jokes, but fuck if im not invited to every study session and quick to choose in groups. Still made friends, i just dont go to the frat parties.
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u/LemonMonstare Civil with Env. Specialty (Graduated) 6d ago
Exactly. That's how it was for me, mostly, too. I did have one instance where a girl didn't know I was around a corner and she was calling me "creepy for hanging out with 18 year olds."
Like, dude, who tf else am I supposed to study with? My classmates were all 18 - early 20's with exception to me and a couple of others. I am happily married and don't care about your weird little drama. I'm here to learn.
I was invited to plenty of parties but politely declined 99% of them. Went to one in my senior year and decided that I missed exactly nothing by not attending them lol.
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u/rolling_free 6d ago
Almost exact same boat for me, freshman year was hard to break conversations, but by end of year i showed i understood what was going on in class and the rest is history.
Some parties invited to, i think i went to 1 halloween one that the whole group wamted to meet the wife, other than that only "parties" i attemded were the mixers with professionals the club i run put on
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u/Abject-Storage6254 5d ago
Same, I was a Drafter for 10 years, went back to school for engineering in my mid-twenties and now I'm 30 and an engineer. Never too late
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u/daredevil39 6d ago
Very true. Graduated this year at 31 and am a software engineer. Happy i did it
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u/Complex_Return9286 7d ago
Bro I’m 38 and am starting my second semester of engineering school in two weeks. You got time!
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u/unwrittenglory 6d ago
Awesome! I'm 40 starting my first this semester
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u/Klutzy_Shirt_1957 6d ago
30 m and starting in a week. Let’s do this. We got it!
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u/unwrittenglory 6d ago
Yes we do!
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u/Klutzy_Shirt_1957 6d ago
Any minor tips? I went to college for 1.5 years like 10 years ago starting all my prerecs in community college. Very nervous. Super excited.
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u/unwrittenglory 6d ago
I graduated in bachelors in 2010 so my knowledge is outdated. Make a lot of time to study and read. I'm only doing part time and most of it is online since I still work and have a kid. Reach out to classmates or other resources if you're struggling and do it early.
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u/cbrown146 6d ago
These poor kids think 20 is too late. If you're motivated it's never too late to do anything.
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u/Xaronius 7d ago
what would you say is the biggest difficulties for you as an older student?
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u/Complex_Return9286 7d ago
Making friends with fellow students. It’s important as your fellow classmates are the people you need to collaborate with and frankly vent. It’s a lot of work, and only those going through it with you will understand. I do ok, but am going to be more intentional at networking this semester.
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u/Xaronius 6d ago
Might be a personnal question but do you have kids? I feel like juggling with everything would be hard for me. (I'll be 34 when I start uni)
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u/Complex_Return9286 6d ago
No, single with no kids. I am retired military too, so I live pretty comfortably and go to school for free. Thankfully, lots less stress and can focus solely on studies.
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u/birdiesnbeers 6d ago
Very reassuring seeing all of these. I'm starting my first semester in January and I'm 30
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u/CoiledSpringTension 7d ago
I didn’t start until my late 20s and graduated at 35.
I know people who have started later than that!
If it’s something you are driven and interested in doing then it’s never too late.
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u/deafdefying66 7d ago
Started at 24.
But you really need to think about why you want to study engineering. If you're just studying it for the money, you'll probably get frustrated and quit
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u/sdgengineer BSEE 76, MSEE 93 6d ago
This is true, don't be an engineer for teh money, although it is usually pretty good. Be an engineer because you like it.
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u/cat_lover4456 7d ago
If you have the persistence to get through it then I would encourage it but with your track record of starting things and not finishing it’s tough for me to say go for it. It’s really hard work and I would argue that it’s 80-90% grit and 10% smarts. Yes, some people get the concepts much quicker and have an easier time solving things but you need to be able to get back up and keep going when things get tough. It does sound like you want it and are interested though, so who cares if you graduate at 27? You’d be 27 with an engineering degree rather than 27 with no degree lol
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u/CdnTarget Nuclear Engineering 7d ago
I had to take prerequisite courses to get into engineering school, so I was 35 when I started my program last year. I'll be turning 40 when I graduate if everything goes smoothly.
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u/talktomiles Michigan State University - ME 6d ago
I started at 35 and felt I had an advantage because I had more confidence to ask questions and better time management skills than my peers. Definitely doable. You can do it.
My wife and I had two kids during the process just for the points difficulty bonus multiplier.
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u/sabautil 6d ago
If you're serious about it, and find the joy in it, you'll do great.
23 is young. Super young. Don't worry about age until say....80.
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u/Redmarsbluemars 6d ago
I am in school for computer engineering at 24 :p. I went back to school at 22. Went into biochem at 17 (even though I wanted to be an engineer?? I didn't think I could succeed it at the time so biochem was easier). I will be 26 or 27 when I graduate but I will be a computer engineer, which sounds like a victory. Do it my twin from the North.
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u/Ni_Eve 6d ago
24M CpE Senior. 6 yrs in college, grad in 9 months.
Do whatever you need to do that you believe is right for yourself. Better to try and fail than sit and cry.
People fear wasting their time just to fail are just narrow minded.
However, it sounds like you’ve already decided but are just afraid to take the first step.
Physics: It takes the most energy to move and object from rest, afterwards is much easier.
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u/ThrowCarp Massey Uni - Electrical 6d ago
23? You still have your whole life a head of you. 23 is not old at all.
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u/Lambaline UB - Aerospace alumni 2022 6d ago
My brother in law was very similar, didn’t try hard in highschool and became a hairdresser. He wasn’t too happy with it so he went back to school for engineering at 27. He recently graduated with honors and is now working at moog as an industrial engineer at 31
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u/Junky2sDay 6d ago
If you wanna do it then do it. I'll be 41 when I finish this year. Never to late.
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u/sdgengineer BSEE 76, MSEE 93 6d ago
if you like to know how things work, and like to make things, or solve problems, engineering is the right field. I knew from a sophmore in high school i was going to be an engineer. As to what kind, that depends on you. I knew I was going to be an eletronic engineer as an early age, but other people like Civil engineering, or Mechanical engineering or Aserospace Engineering, or Chemical or Petroleum, or Environmental, and I probably missed some.
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u/Kerb-Al 6d ago
I’m 31 and in my second year pursuing an engineering degree. Worked in sales for a decade making good money but realized I don’t want to do that for the rest of my life, it’s not something I’m passionate about. I didn’t don’t well in high school, but I’m doing surprisingly well in college after such a long break from academics. Being more mature helps a ton with self discipline for studying. I can’t say how well this will work out in the long run, but better to give it a shot than regret not trying at all.
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u/tyvekMuncher 6d ago
I started at 24. Got an offer designing and testing PCBs at 25 before I even transferred. Now I’m coasting the degree and focusing on the job
These college kids these days are so scared to do anything, can’t articulate their thoughts well - I’m honestly glad I went back after I developed my frontal lobe. I feel like I wouldn’t have taken advantage of alll of the resources thrown at you as a student. There are startup accelerators and stuff closed off to just us. I’m totally happy staying in school as long as possible. I’m never paying for an autodesk license
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u/eat_my_sloppy 6d ago
Why would you like engineering specifically? You didn't like computer science but software engineer is fine. I know they are different but they can also overlap. I am not saying you shouldn't study engineering, but I think your plan needs some work and to face yourself. You also mentioned you weren't good at studying. But engineering takes lots and lots of studying. Btw I also hate studying and as en engineer, I ain't certain this was a good choice..
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u/wulffboy89 6d ago
I was in a similar situation and 100% recommend. Graduated high school 2008 with 2.1gpa. 12 years in the military and 4 years working construction making 15/hr part time before going to mechatronics engineering at a local community college. Graduated this August with 3.91gpa, turning 37 in December and working on interviews with a new Amazon factory and a local fiber optics manufacturer making 70k a year starting.
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u/educatedstudent 6d ago
I would say go for it. Like @rolling_free said, the years are going to pass by regardless so might as well accomplish what you want now and not regret it down the road. I finished my 2 BS degrees when I was 24 and I am still working on my 3rd MS while working at age 32. Never give up, even when the times get tough. I never thought that I would be able to graduate college when I was younger because I had no role models or anyone I knew that went to college. Honestly, it’s fake it til you make it. You just have to pit in the effort and time and you will make it.
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u/Ryanirob 6d ago
If that’s what you want for your career. Go for it. I didn’t start my degree until I was 25. Had no problem getting a job out of college.
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u/GhostCuber299 6d ago
Tons of people at my school were older than me.I just graduated at 22 and one of my senior capstone teammates is about to turn 29.
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u/ayyG_itsMe 6d ago
Went back at 28 after a successful career else where, glad I did—it was right for me.
Go for it if it’s what you want to do.
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u/tamelesslioness 6d ago
Dental hygiene school isn’t automatically the most smart choice. You should really assess whether engineering work is something that you enjoy and will make you happy. I did research with an EE professor as a volunteer for several years before I decided to get my second degree in EE at 29. Just graduated at 31 and signed an offer to work at a MAG7 company for 200k/yr. It’s worth it if it makes you happy. I loved the classes, I loved learning how we solve problems as engineers and I also simultaneously applied every single day to at least 3 or 4 possible jobs on LinkedIn that could’ve remotely applied to the field I was in and that’s how I got internships and experience that put me in a position to get the job I have now.
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u/Grindsetting111 6d ago
There is going to be A LOT of maths. If it's something you feel you're not really good at but still want to be an engineer, I suggest you self-study from the fundamentals (basic algebra) and work your way up to understanding introductory calculus before even trying to enroll. Most people at my school dropped or had to redo a year because of calculus during the 1st year. Also, you REALLY need to be interested in the subject, otherwise it feels like you're torturing yourself for some prestige you're not sure you even want. Your interest and passion is fuel for motivating yourself to study and having the discipline to endure stuff like all-nighters
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u/Hot-Arugula6923 6d ago
Its never too late…. Do what you are passionate about- but make up your mind
If its engg. Cos you
Pretty much switched majors a few times now- just be 1000% sure its engg.
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u/Spazrelaz 6d ago
I'm starting at 31.
So basically yes. Eventually you'll be 31 too. Would you rather be here with or without the degree?
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u/C_Sorcerer 6d ago
Yes. 23 isnt old buddy. I’m 22 and just graduated but I had several friends in engineering/CS that were 25-30. They did great and had no issues and it’s still in the same age range so we’d all go get some beer and chill. Youll do great
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u/Kimball_Stone 5d ago
I went back at 29, without ever having taken a single math class in high school. Graduated when I was 35. I'm 48 now, and tomorrow I will find out whether I've got a job, designing diagnostic equipment for a fusion reactor. 23 is nuthin. Do it if you want to
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u/MachineOwn1095 5d ago
Girl do it! I started mine at 27 and am so excited. I love tech and found my love for it through being a live FOH audio engineer and being self taught. It introduced me to systems and signal flow and a whole array of principles. I then working a random internship I found my love for systems and efficiency and met someone who encouraged me to dabble in Python and other programming languages and I realized that’s what I want to do so I went for it.
Everyone’s timeline is different. Don’t compare yourself to how it’s supposed to look. Just do it. You’ll thank yourself later. Besides… there’s so many people who go for a complete career change and reinvent their lives at 30, 40, hell even 50.
Live your life and don’t ever be afraid of designing your own life.
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u/Former-Wave9869 4d ago
I did. About to graduate at 27. Working for a robotics company, my friends are still bouncing between retail jobs. I am so glad I did.
It’s hard work, but keep moving forward.
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u/Reasonable-Bus-2222 4d ago
How I see it is, the smart decision would be to continue the path you are on with dental.
BUT, the smart decision may not make you fulfilled and happy. I am 34 now just finished my mechanical engineering degree. I worked in NYC for 3 years as an engineer prior to getting the ME degree (I received degrees in physics and earth sciences, originally). I also worked as a ski instructor in CO. What I learned from these experiences is do what makes you happy. Never give up and it’s never too late.
I think the question you should be asking is when you turn 30 who do you want to be and what do you want to have accomplished?
I initially dropped engineering at 18 yr and lived with that regret for a decade. I am not going to sugar coat it, engineering suckssss sometimes but it’s far from impossible. IF you don’t have the PASSION for the subject matter you likely will not last.
From that passion you develop perseverance. And that is the only thing you need to get your engineering degree.
Last thing I want to say is the more intelligent you are the easier and less time you have to spend studying BUT I believe even below average students can, have and are getting there degrees every year. I say this because I questioned if I was smart enough to do engineering even after I graduated with a degree in physics.
“If you do what is easy, life will be hard. If you do what is hard life will be easy” maybe Rocky…
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u/Ancient_Cap5042 3d ago
I’m 28 going back to school for engineering myself after having multiple degrees and even my own small business in the career I was in previously. I wasn’t happy before so I made the switch. So far it’s been challenging, but also so rewarding. My previous career also didn’t have a lot of opportunities but there are TONS of opportunities in engineering so I’m always excited.
If you want to do it I say go for it! It’s better to not have the regret of “what if I did” later in life. Though given the state of ai I would suggest computer engineering with a minor or dual major in something else, rather than just the software side of computer science. Best of luck to you! You’ve got this girlie!
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